White dead nettle, scientifically known as Lamium album, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe and parts of Asia, and it is widely distributed throughout the temperate regions of the world as an ornamental plant. The term "white dead nettle" is derived from its resemblance to stinging nettles, although it lacks the characteristic sting, and its white or pale pink flowers.
White dead nettle typically grows up to a height of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches), with square stems that are covered in fine hairs. The leaves are heart-shaped, opposite, and toothed at the edges, and they are often densely covered in soft hairs as well. These leaves are borne on petioles and have a wrinkled texture.
The plant produces tubular, hooded flowers in clusters that arise from the leaf axils. These flowers have a white coloration, occasionally tinged with pale pink, and they contain both male and female reproductive structures. The flowering period takes place from spring to early summer.
White dead nettle is often found in damp, shaded areas, such as woodlands, hedgerows, meadows, and roadside verges. It is an extremely adaptable plant, capable of thriving in a wide range of soil types. It serves as an important nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and is therefore considered beneficial to the biodiversity of an ecosystem.
In herbal medicine, white dead nettle has been historically used for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been employed to soothe skin irritations, such as burns and insect bites, and to alleviate digestive disorders. However, caution is advised as the plant contains chemicals that may cause allergic reactions in
